Building Pb Nanomesas with Atomic-Layer Precision

The manipulation of metallic nanaostructures which involved macroscopic number of atoms was investigated with precise control in their local structures. A two-step process was involved which included triggering step using scanning tunneling microscope followed by self-limiting mass-transfer process. Pb nanomesas was constructed on Si(111) substrates using the two-step process whose thickness was controlled with atomic-layer precision. The kinetic barrier was also determined for mass transfer with description of underlying mechanism behind this novel manipulation.